Parents should give children the attention they deserve, says Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum made these comments while addressing students, teachers and parents at the Nasinu Sangam Primary School annual awards ceremony in Narere yesterday.

He said Nasinu was the largest municipality in Fiji and thanked the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) for establishing the school to cater for children living in the area.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said teachers played a major role in a child’s upbringing that would help them in future.

He also advised parents to spend more time with their children.

“These are small things that we can do for our children that will remain with them for the rest of their lives,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“So I urge you parents, it’s not about the annual prizegiving but also about the little attention you may want to pay to them on a daily basis.

“If they come home with a little bit of homework, you may not be able to help them but to give them the attention and the level of importance.

“That will go a long way and will encourage them,” he said.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said parents should refrain from putting their children in a career path they were not interested in.

“Of course, as parents, we should not be disappointed because your child didn’t excel academically.

“As long you are there for them, as long as your child has done the best, that is really important, if they have done their best to the best of the ability,” he said.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government had given enormous priority to education.

“Children should pursue what they are good at. If they good in any area give them encouragement, learn to nurture them and they will be good in what they’re good at. This is very important,” he said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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